2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Message from Benoît Potier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Outlook

The Group has unique advantages which allows it to have a long-term vision of its performance. These assets are based, in particular, on the strength of its business model, the expertise of its teams, and the quality of its positions on markets of the future which pave the way to new growth opportunities.

Air Liquide is deeply committed to the climate and the energy transition and we fully believe in the major role that our decarbonization solutions and in particular hydrogen will play  in the development of a low-carbon society. Healthcare, which has reached a new level during the health crisis, also represents one of the focuses of our future growth. Finally, in a world where technological progress is accelerating, in particular in the digital field, our expertise places us in a perfect position in the race to future growth, for example to support the expansion of the electronics industry and that of high tech sectors such as deep cryogenics, space, and quantum technology. We firmly believe that our technologies and our ability to innovate will make a difference in the transformation that is currently underway.

Confidence

During this period which remains uncertain, we are facing the future with caution, but also with courage and confidence. Confidence in the opportunities before us. Confidence, too, in our ability to seize them. Inventing the future has been our business for over a century. 
I sincerely believe that, together, we can continue, to invent and build this future and, more than ever, to live it.

The climate and energy transition, healthcare, technologies and in particular in digital the Group is well positioned on the markets of the future.